Sajid Raina
Bandipora, Dec 4: There are at least 51 government schools operating from the rented accommodations across four education zones in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, official data revealed on Monday.
The data available, states that out of 798 government schools, 51 are operating from rented accommodations in four education zones of the district.
The data also reveals that Bandipora district has leased 11 schools, Gurez Zone 24 schools, Quilmuqam Zone 10 schools and Sumbal Zone has six schools.
Meanwhile, the locals said that the government should accelerate efforts in the education sector of Bandipora district, aiming for enhanced development and modernization.
They suggested allocating additional space for students to alleviate existing shortcomings and improve the overall educational environment.
“In some schools, students are grappling with limited space, and unfortunately, no one seems to be addressing this issue. In this contemporary era dominated by rapid technological advancements, the government ought to expedite its efforts and furnish dedicated spaces for students experiencing constraints in these rented school accommodations,” said Muhammad Ayoob Khan, a local resident.
The data reveals that the Gurez valley is severely affected by the issue, with 24 schools operating from rented accommodations.
Locals express concern, saying that the education sector in this valley has consistently been neglected on all fronts. Also, there are instances where owners of rented accommodations have not received payment from the administration for several years.
“In Gurez valley, be it the scarcity of lecturers, insufficient school infrastructure, or challenges in government school accommodations, these issues persist, with Gurez often at the forefront. Despite consistently bringing these problems to the attention of the relevant authorities, there seems to be a lack of concern and action,” said Mohammad Afzal, a concerned resident from Gurez.
“For the advancement of modern education in this district, the government should formulate a robust solution and ensure the provision of permanent facilities wherever this issue persists,” suggested another group of local residents.
An official said that the particulars of these schools in rented accommodations have been forwarded to higher authorities, and there is an expectation that the government will take swift action. “Construction work for new buildings is already in progress at some locations,” he added.
